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Becoming a University

Most universities in Australia are public institutions, but there are a few private institutions which have been authorised by governments to operate as universities.  The University of Notre Dame Australia is Western Australia's only private university.

Before a university can be established or recognised in Western Australia, the Minister must be satisfied that the institution will comply with nationally agreed criteria, including those in the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes and the provisions of the Higher Education Act 2004.  The Act protects the use of the term 'university' and provides significant financial penalties for entities using the term without being established or recognised as a university.

Criteria for the establishment or recognition of universities.
The application process.